A day as a fire department honor gaurd member
By: Karen Leming
As I stand shoulder to shoulder with my fellow brother and sister firefighters, a river of sweat rolls down my back. I want to run my hand across my lower back, but I cannot break ranks. It is my job to be at attention and not move, even though the sun is sweltering as we stand in our Class A uniforms?
I have a lot of pressure on me today. We are bidding farewell to a fallen hero. Family members, along with friends, fellow firefighters, law enforcement and the governor are in attendance. I am the detail commander for the “Cordon of Honor”.
Today, we are honoring the service of a fire chief who died in the line of duty in California. As a member of the last team (local assistance state team), I have been deployed for several days to work on the Honor Guard portion of the event. Before each honor guard event, I must make sure that everything is set, and that I have taken along everything I need to wear: One class A uniform, two white shirts, a tie, extra pants, a hat, ceremonial gloves, an ascot, a shoulder cord, and polished Corfam shoes. Any equipment, like ceremonial axes or pike poles, will be cleaned and polished prior to our trip and once again before an event. Obviously, our appearance is not left to chance.
Looking sharp and leaving no detail unaddressed is just part of the pride that is pervasive of all team members. Before we break from our final team meeting preceding an event, each member gives the other a final uniform check, to make certain everything is in order. I pride myself on my appearance, and consider it a privilege to wear the honor guard uniform along with the members of my team.
Nothing evokes strong emotions like seeing an honor guard or color guard at a ceremony saluting a fallen comrade.
The Cordon of Honor is a special privilege. Uniformed personnel stand at attention next to and across from each other for this ceremony, will render a salute for the family, department members, commissioners and the forest service. It’s much more than an opportunity to salute a life, it’s an opportunity to reflect on what firefighters stand for and the work we do. It is inspiring for us, as well as the families of the fallen.
At parade rest with the other uniformed personnel, I look straight ahead and focus on what we will be doing next. Hours before the ceremony, I briefed the group about what to expect, making sure our lines are straight, listening to my commands, and anticipating what the commands will be.
We have one chance to look good and get it right. All the members of the group understand that we can never take our detail lightly; every member of the honor guard shares the drive to be perfect. I see the firefighters standing across from me shoes shined, uniforms neat, looking their best. They too understand that paying one’s respect is a solemn privilege. Today is a day the family of the fallen will never forget.
There is a tension you feel when you want to be perfect, as if everyone is watching just you. You strive for perfection, not for yourself but for the family, to show the honor they deserve as you bid farewell to a hero. Somehow, this is comforting to those of us in uniform that have come to pay respects.
At last, the moment I have prepared for arrives. I gaze intently as the family emerges from the limousine, one by one. Their steps are slow, and their movements drenched with personal pain. The sense of loss is etched on their faces. It is so sad, but I cannot allow myself to feel their pain today. My heart is heavy for the one we lost and those left behind, but I remind myself to stay focused on my role. I have a mission to fulfill for the family, the friends and the firefighters.
It is even more difficult today, as the firefighter being laid to rest was a friend.
I focus on calling commands. I call with an authoritative and strong voice. “Honor Guard, East Pierce Fire, US Forest Service, Attention!” The casket is removed in a slow, ceremonious cadence from the fire engine by the body bearers. Honorary pallbearers step in.
I receive a nod from the detail commander and give the command “present arms.” With a three count, a salute is given, slow and purposeful, by all of the firefighters present in the cordon.
The family, followed by department members and friends, forms a procession and begins the long walk through the chapel. I can see the pain in the faces, as arms begin to shake from muscle fatigue. Someone in the back has fainted from the sweltering heat, others will follow. Despite the pain, heat and exhaustion, everyone is determined to hold their salute until the order is given. With another three count, hands slowly return to the side as everyone resumes the attention position. I can feel the sense of relief sweep over the cordon, and the visiting firefighters join the procession into the church.
The memorial is about to begin, and I am filled with pride from the showing of all my fellow honor guard members who attended, as well as my own performance. Today was emotionally and physically difficult for the team, and we came through perfectly, just as we had hoped for.
Honor guards are a time-honored tradition that symbolizes pride and commitment. The guard exemplifies dedication, of honoring duty with respect and compassion through a disciplined display of service. As the bagpipers fill the chapel with music another fire service tradition begins.
